Lion Knight (Crusader) - Red Torso, Blue Arms, Black Legs
cas246 · Castle
Crusaders (Lion Knights) · 1984-1992
Figure ID
cas246
Theme
Castle
Year Released
1984-1992
Rarity
Common (Vintage); highly available during the 1980s but increasingly rare in good condition today.
Head
Classic LEGO yellow head with the standard 'smiley' face (two solid black dots for eyes and a curved black line for a smile). No headgear is present in the image.
Torso
Red torso with blue arms and yellow hands. The front features a shield-shaped print with a vertical split of brown and tan, showcasing two crossed black axes. This motif is specific to the Crusaders sub-theme.
Legs
Solid black unprinted legs with a standard black hip piece.
Accessories
Missing in image; typically paired with a grey neck protector (cas04b) or pointed chin guard helmet (x167), and armed with a sword, spear, or halberd.
Color Scheme
A primary color palette of red, blue, and black, accented by the brown and tan of the torso emblem.
Printing Details
Simple pad printing on the torso front only. The era used slightly thicker ink that is prone to scratching if played with heavily. No back or leg printing.
Variants
Variations of this character exist with different arm colors (red arms) or leg colors (blue/grey), and different helmet types.
Condition Notes
The torso print appears slightly worn on the edges. Common issues include 'torso cracks' under the arms and fading of the facial features due to age.
Estimated Value
$4.00 - $8.00 USD for a used figure in good condition. New/Mint examples can fetch $15.00+.
Price (New)
Originally included in sets ranging from $2.00 (small impulse sets) to $60.00 (large castles) during the 1980s.
Compatible Sets
Appeared in legendary sets such as 6080 King's Castle, 6061 Siege Tower, and 6041 Armor Shop.
Character Background
Generic soldier for the Lion Knights (Crusaders), the first major 'good guy' faction in the LEGO Castle universe that rivaled the Black Falcons.
Design Notes
This represents the 'Classic' era of minifigure design before specialized facial hair or armor molds became standard in the 1990s.
Similar Minifigures
cas011 (Lion Knight with grey legs), cas249 (Lion Knight with red arms), and retro-remake versions found in 10305 Lion Knights' Castle.
Collectibility
High for nostalgia seekers; essential for anyone rebuilding 80s Castle dioramas.
History
Launched as part of the 1984 Castle expansion which introduced factions to the theme, replacing the 'Yellow Castle' era figures.
Interesting Facts
The crossed-ax logo is often nicknamed the 'crossed axes' or 'Crusader shield' among AFOLs. It is one of the most iconic prints from the golden age of LEGO.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside a 10305 Lion Knights' Castle or on a grey castle wall vignette to showcase the vintage contrast.
Modification Potential
Excellent for purist customs; parts are interchangeable with many modern Castle figures to create a 'classic-modern' hybrid.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential piece of LEGO history. While simple by modern standards, its iconic colors and motif make it a foundational element for any vintage collection.